Washington, D.C. - August 2, 2017 - The Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) is pleased to announce José Muñoz as the second director of IEL's Coalition for Community Schools. Muñoz succeeds Martin J. Blank, who served as the founding director of the Coalition for Community Schools and is retiring. Muñoz will assume his position as director on September 6, 2017.

Listen to Muñoz comments while receiving the Community Schools Initiative Leadership Award

"José Muñoz has been at the helm of major youth development enterprises in Indiana, Florida, Las Vegas and Albuquerque, and comes with a deep understanding of what it takes to bring diverse groups of leaders together to create big wins for youth. As director of the ABC Community Schools Partnerships in Albuquerque, he has been a natural leader as well as a unifying force in our Community School Leadership Network, and his vision of 'Building on the Past, Embracing the Present, and Preparing our Future,' is the right message for the Coalition at this important time. No one can replace the historical impact of founding director Marty Blank in the modern community schools era, but José Muñoz has the heart and soul and savvy leadership to take us far into the next leg of the journey. Please join me in welcoming José!" said Lisa Villarreal, chair of the Steering Committee of the Coalition for Community Schools

"I am looking forward to working together with José in his new role and as a member of IEL's executive leadership team. José will build on the strong foundation of community schools work across the country and lead the Coalition to ever increasing its visibility, resources, and impact in the lives of children, youth, adults, and families. I am particularly excited about José's cross-sectoral experiences which make him a strong cross-boundary leader who will bring a fresh perspective on where the Coalition needs to go," said Dr. Johan E. Uvin, IEL's president.

In his role with the ABC Partnership, Muñoz has led ABC's unique cross-sector Joint Partnership Agreement between six public and private agencies for five years. His "All Hands In" approach to leadership increased financial support to the Partnership by 300%, effectuating the growth in the number of community schools in Albuquerque by 85% in just five years. Prior to leading the efforts at ABC, José coordinated a Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative national model site for Bernalillo County, and also served youth and families with the Boys & Girls Clubs in three regions of the United States.

"I'm extremely humbled to follow Marty Blank in this very important role. I'm encouraged that together as a Coalition, we will firmly establish equity for our children and youth-the children and youth in whom we place our hope," said Muñoz.